An Artisan Winery

We are longtime fans of Israel's Recanati Winery, which offers very fine, highly rated reserve selections as well as several satisfying simpler table wines. The Recanati Winery was founded in 2000 by a group of wine lovers led by Lenny Recanati. Their goal was to create a new winery for the production of quality Israeli wines at reasonable consumer prices.

Two of our favorites are Yasmin white and Yasmin red; both appealing selections to keep on hand because they are terrific table wines at value prices. Added to our suggestions are several mid−priced exceptional wines as well as a few in the luxury category. What better time for a wine splurge than at the Seder table? Whichever of these kosher for Passover wines you choose, we hope that you sip your four glasses surrounded by family and friends.

Recanati Yasmin White 2012Yasmin White is a stylish light blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Emerald Riesling and French Colombard grapes harvested in the winery's vineyards in Binyamin and the Jezreel Valley. Lovely as an aperitif or with chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes. Best served well chilled. $11.00

Recanati Yasmin Red 2012Yasmin Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz grapes grown in the winery's vineyards in the Galilee and the Ella Valley. This light-bodied wine has rich fruity flavors and can be enjoyed young. Yasmin Red is a wonderful accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes including meat and poultry. $11.00

Sauvignon Blanc 2011This crispy, fruity Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in a single vineyard in the Upper Galilee This white wine's aroma is one of grapefruit and tropical fruits with shades of passion fruit and green apple. Especially lovely with appetizers, poultry and fish. $15.00

Petite Sirah- Zinfandel Reserve 2011A blend of Petite Sirah with some Zinfandel grapes, this wine is deep purple in color with aromas of forest berries, chocolate and walnuts. The Petite Sirah grapes come from the Lower Galilee while the Zinfandel grapes are grown in the Upper Galilee. The result is a combination of the best of both regions – one hot and one much cooler. Excellent accompaniment to meat, stews and tagine style dishes, and even with pungent cheeses and even with bitter chocolate. $26.00

Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (2009)This is a rich, hearty selection, aged for 17 months in oak barrels. Drink now or let age for up to a decade! A smooth and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aroma of red fruit and black forest berries, chocolate and black plums and spiced with a hint of Mediterranean herbs. This full-bodied red wine is perfect with meats, stews and poultry. $26.00

Wild Carignan Reserve 2011This red wine is a unique selection - rich and full-bodied, with flavors of blackberries mingled with Mediterranean herbs. The wine is minimally filtered, and results in true, natural wine from Israel. It is suggested to complement meat and hearty dishes. Serve slightly cooler than room temperature. $50.00

Recanati Special Reserve White 2010This white varietal blend is produced in very small quantities in the Upper Galilee. Recanati Winery's premium white wine label, Special Reserve, is the winery's flagship wine and the best white wine produced from each vintage, and is produced only in unique quality years. This wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grapes from the Upper Galilee. Best served well chilled with fish or poultry, and Italian dishes. $53.00